Lit by Rowyn, Liza and Thomas (Adriano) 16th October 2012
A portion of my childhood summers was spent with my Dad's cousins, my uncles and aunts who were so close to him. Tito June and Tito Joel used to quiz me about my Hardy Boys books. Tito Joel in particular, had a genius rep as he used to join quiz contests on TV. I think he became my inspiration to learn a lot of trivia, though the only contests I joined were school-centric. When they both joined the US Navy, I was very impressed.
I had the good fortune of meeting Tito June again back in 2004, and he took me on a quick tour of the US Naval base in San Diego. I never say Tito Joel again as a naval man, but spoke to him again briefly on the phone about 3 or 4 years ago. He was inviting me to their home in Jacksonville at that time. Unfortunately, I never did get to go.
Life is short, and there doesn't seem to be enough time to put in all the things you want to do. But if I look at Tito Joel, he seems to be the exception - I am sure he would still want to be with us, and there's probably a lot more he wanted to do - but he accomplished so much in his career, in his life, that I hope it serves as further inspiration to everyone he has touched.
Goodbye, Tito Joel. Please say hello to my Dad for all of us.